Treasure of Khan: A Dirk Pitt Novel. Clive Cussler and Dirk Cussler. Putnam. $27.95. 552 pp. Of all the misleading distinctions on which we routinely insist, the one between high and low culture is among the prissiest. It's not that the difference between the two isn't real, it's just that making a wall of it denies the plain truth that appetites are various and can healthily and happily coexist. Dry-aged rib-eye steak is superior to ground beef -- unless you're in the mood for a hamburger, in which case nothing else will do. Clive Cussler's 31st book, Treasure of Khan, is a great big fat juicy cheeseburger of a novel.

Sahara The action-adventure serials of old supply inspiration for this movie's official site, based on Clive Cussler's best seller. The central image shows stars Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn and Penelope Cruz posing proudly before a map of the western Sahara -- an image reminiscent of the posters from 1940s matinee serials. Feature pages, presented as plotted points along that aforementioned map, include two streaming trailers, plot synopsis, downloadable desktop art, a photo gallery and more.